Having problems with your Leapster? We've put together a list of the most common problems people ask us about, and will suggest how to (hopefully) fix them. Problems include: the screen not responding, game cartridge problems, adding new player profiles and sound problems.
Please note we are not the manufacturers of these products and therefore cannot respond to individual requests for help, for this please contact Leapfrog directly.
The Leapster screen isn't responding to the pen, what can I do?
For original Leapsters:
1) Insert a cartridge;
2) Turn the unit on and wait for the sign-in screen to appear;
3) Hold down the Home, Hint and B buttons simultaneously;
4) When the screen changes, press the A button;
5) Using the stylus pen touch the center of the various targets which appear.
For the L-Max:
1) Do not have a cartridge inserted;
2) Press B, A, Hint and Home wile you turn the L-Max on;
4) When the screen changes, press the A button;
5) Using the stylus pen touch the center of the various targets which appear.
For the Leapster 2:
1) Remove any game cartridges;
2) Hold down the Hint button while turning the unit on;
3) When the LEAPSTER menu screen appears, press the A button;
4) Touch each of the targets that appear with the stylus pen;
5) Restart the console.
What if the above do not work, some of the suggestions below may help?
1) Try the process again
2) There may be debris pressing down on the screen, try gently cleaning around the edge of a screen (under the case) with a folded over piece of paper or card.
3) Press the small back reset button (usually in the battery area of your Leapster
4) Try it with a different game inserted, or with no game inserted
Game cartridge problems
Getting a large ? on the screen when you insert a cartridge? If so the leapster cannot read the cartridge.
1) Usually a good blow of air onto the cartridge and leapster will sort the problem;
2) Alternatively try cleaning it with a dry cotton bud.
If none of the above work it is quite likely your game cartridge has become damaged or corrupted, sadly you will need to dispose of it and get a new game.
Removing names from Leapster games
If you buy a used leapster game cartridge you might not want to see the names of the previous owners on the screen. What we do is replace each name with a character, we tend to use '.' '..' and '...' Your child can then overwrite these with any names they wish.
Leapster 2 name changes
You can only change player names when all the profiles are filled. If they are not filled just add in some extra names/keyboard characters.
To delete a player profile, you will need to go to the player profile screen and press and continue to hold down the following buttons in sequence:
1) Home
2) A button
3) Left arrow
Then, touch the X icon that appears at the bottom of the screen and follow the audio instructions.
Sound problems
Often if there is no sound coming from your leapster speakers you can still get sound through headphones so try that first.
Sometimes rotating the headphone jack may be necessary to ensure a good connection.
We've also had success by opening up the leapster (always make sure the leapster is turned off and battery/power free) and adjusting the speaker. Often squeezing the speaker makes it work so we found having something pressing on the speaker inside the casing will make it work.
Warning
Please note only try suggestions which involve unscrewing your leapster if you are confident working with electricals. Always make sure you do this with the batteries removed and/or power supply unplugged. Furthermore you will invalidate any warranty by removing the back from the leapster, if your item is still in warranty contact Leapfrog directly to discuss any problems.
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